Puccini's familiar "Tosca" was given a special performance at the Metropolitan Opera House last evening for the benefit of the Neighborhood Music School. Mme. Jertiza again displayed her brilliant and aggressive personality in her portrayal of the ill-fated heroine who causes such mischievous plotting. She sang beautifully and in all respects fully equaled, if not surpassed, her previous successes in the roles. The performance was also the occasion for the advent of Giacomo Lauri-Volpi as the unhappy painter, Mario Cavaradossi, who is forced to undergo certain police methods of ill repute. He sang admirably last evening, and undoubtedly the dramatic possibilities of Mario are more suitable to his art. His voice was of excellent quality, and brilliant in the high tones, which contained some ringing notes. There was a noticeable absence of any recent tendency to constriction or tightness of the throat, although his lower register is not strong, and there were occasional variations from the pitch. In short, Mr. Lauri-Volpi was happy in his part.

In other respects the cast might be termed traditional Mr. Scotti, who has chased innumerable Toscas about the stage, is always the same incomparable Scarpia. Mr. Malatesta, as the amusing Sacristan, and others completed a capable ensemble. There was a large and enthusiastic audience, which was generous with its applause. Mr. Moranzoni conducted.